MEET THE OWNER, ANGELA GRANT

Photo courtesy of Arken Studios

I was born and raised in a small Northern England town across the Mersey River from Liverpool. Wallasey, Merseyside England. If you’re not familiar with that part of England, it is industrial, old, they like football and the occasional rock band named after bugs.

Given the lack of opportunity, many left school at the ripe old age of 16 and spent their lives working in factories. This was the life scripted for me, my parents and my five siblings. My parents retired from Cadbury Chocolates - seriously! This was my first job ever, on the factory line - I was fired after three months. I fell asleep on the belt and caused a six-foot chocolate pyramid pile up. My mother did not talk to me for a month. In her words, “I had disgraced the family name”.

At 18, I left for the big city - London beckoned. My first job was as a chambermaid at The Grand Russell Hotel. That was my introduction to the service industry. It was followed by bartending, waitressing, and being a hostess. At 26, I moved to America, one of our colonies (we don’t hold that little revolution against you and still regard you as part of the empire). Two suitcases and $2,000 later I was in Texas…don’t ask. After a little travel, what a surprise, I ended up in glamorous Los Angeles…and back in the restaurant business. It was fun, exciting and very American.

The next chapter was marriage and child. I was lucky and spent the first eight years being at home with my daughter, Lianne. I had a small faux-finishing business which kept me happy and creative. Divorce happened and blew that dream away. Back to the working world I went, with a preteen girl and no skills ready for our calling world. What to do? I got into sales and discovered I was very good at it (ya know, I can pretty much talk to anybody about anything). Years pass…and now the good stuff.

Three years ago, while traveling with my boyfriend and his mom in Devon, England, a little lost on The Dartmoor (think the moors of The Hounds of Baskerville fame), we came across a sign stating high tea was being served. I convinced my companions to go check it out. It was a small thatched cottage in the middle of nowhere - not a business but a home. We were greeted by a friendly face and good cheer. We sat down and had the most memorable tea of my life. The Tea was a fundraiser to collect money to build a playground for children with special needs. I was touched by these people who cared about others less fortunate than themselves. This was their home, their daughter was a teacher at the school. We all chipped in and donated more than we could afford. They were thrilled and everyone including me were in tears. They were so grateful, and it meant so much to them and to their school. I think there is a plaque on the bench somewhere bearing our names. I knew that day that I was to open a tea room and make it a very special place. I have always enjoyed the tradition of tea time. After all, the British won two world wars (with a little help) over a cup of PG Tips and a crumpet!